Barely 48hours after his brother, Ibrahim Babangida died, former Nigerian international, Tijjani Babangida, has also lost his son who is about a year old who died from injuries he sustained in a fatal road accident.
On Thursday, April 10, 2024, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medallist, his wife, brother, son, and maid were involved in a ghastly accident along the Zaria-Kaduna road.
While his younger brother Ibrahim died on the spot, Tijanni, who is also the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) and the other occupants of the vehicle were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
However, it was learnt from a close family friend that Tijanni’s son eventually died in the hospital as he was badly hurt in the accident.
He disclosed further that Babangida’s wife has also lost one of her eyes following the severe damage to her face.
He said “This is a difficult moment for our friend Tijanni and his entire family. After the death of Ibrahim, his little son, who was battling for life in the hospital with him, also passed away yesterday (Friday).
“Right now, he is traumatised by the death of his younger brother and his son, who was always with him. His wife has lost one of her eyes because a part of her face was damaged.
“The maid also suffered a fracture in her leg, the same as a young man who was hit by the ill-fated car.
“Well, Tijanni has since been transferred to a hospital in Abuja where he is to undergo surgery on his damaged knee and other injuries.
“All we can do is to pray for God to strengthen him to overcome the tragic situation,” he said.